Writing an unsolicited application: how it works in Switzerland

Why an unsolicited application is worth it

Not every open job is advertised. Some companies fill jobs first from applications they already have on file or through recommendations. With an unsolicited application, they already know you before a job ad appears.

It works especially well in industries where businesses are always looking for people but rarely advertise, such as the trades, hospitality or smaller companies. And if you want to work for one particular company, it is the direct route.

On top of that, you are not competing with everyone who answers the same ad. In return, you have to explain yourself what you are looking for and why this company in particular.

Choosing the right companies

Fewer, well-chosen companies achieve more than a long list. First think about which industry and which region you want to work in. Then look for businesses that are active there and employ people with your profile.

• The company needs people with your occupation, even if no job is advertised right now.
• The size fits: in small businesses the owner often decides, in large ones the HR department.
• The commute fits your everyday life.
• You know what the company does and can say it in one sentence.

Finding the contact person

An unsolicited application sent to “info@” often ends up in the wrong inbox. So look for a named person: on the company website under Team, Contact or Careers, in the company’s job ads from previous months, or with a short call to reception.

In small businesses this is often the owner or the managing director, in larger ones the HR department or the head of the team you would like to work in.

Write the name exactly as it appears on the website and check the salutation. A correctly spelled name shows that you made an effort.

How to structure the letter

An unsolicited application is a cover letter without a job ad. It also fits on one A4 page. Because there is no job ad setting the frame, the letter itself has to make clear what it is about.

It comes with the same documents as any application: CV, reference letters and diplomas, by email ideally as a single PDF with a clear file name.

• Subject: “Unsolicited application as …” with the role you are looking for and, if possible, the workload.
• Opening: why this company. A concrete link to its work, its products or its location.
• Main part: what you bring, backed up with two or three examples from your experience.
• Where you see yourself: which team or which role you could work in.
• Closing: interest in an interview and the offer to stay on file in case a matching job opens up later.

Example of an opening

The first paragraph decides whether they read on. It shows that you know the company and that you are not sending everyone the same letter. An invented example, shown here in English:

Following up without pushing

If you have heard nothing after about two weeks, you may follow up once, politely, by phone or with a short email. Ask whether your application arrived and whether a matching job might come up in the near future.

A rejection is not a verdict on you. Often there is simply nothing available right now. Ask whether your documents can stay on file. And remember: for the RAV (regional employment centre), an unsolicited application also counts as a job search effort.